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'Our city will rise above this,' Odessa city council addresses mass shooting

A person attending a vigil for Leilah Hernandez, one of the victims of the Texas shootings in Odessa and Midland, lights a candle Monday, September 2, 2019. Photo by Colin Murphey for USA TODAY(Photo: Colin Murphey/San Angelo Standard-Times)

ODESSA — In a city starting to come back from the latest mass shooting in Texas, the Odessa City Council spoke to the public about the tragedy.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the 36-year-old gunman was fired from his job, stopped by state troopers for a traffic stop and went on a rampage that took seven lives and injured 25. The days since have been filled with a community coming together, press conferences, vigils and efforts to heal from the tragedy.

Mayor David Turner stood before residents and media at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, to address the mass shooting. Firefighters and police officers stood behind the council, who wore yellow in remembrance of the victims.

"The event the other day has shaken the city to its core," said Turner. "We will be attending a lot of funerals. After that, Odessa will rise."

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David Turner, mayor of Odessa, speaks during a press conference at city hall Tuesday, September 3, 2019, about the recent shootings that left seven people dead in Odessa and Midland.(Photo: Colin Murphey/San Angelo Standard-Times)

Each council member stepped forward with words of faith, hope and love for their community. One member made a suggestion that could help the public going forward.

"This is something that is unprecedented in Odessa," said Malcolm Hamilton, District 1 councilman. "I know that we have things similar to the AMBER alert; can we get an active shooter alert?"

Detra White, District 3 councilwoman, spoke on the "evil" that hit Odessa.

"Even through evil came to our community, God was here too," White said. "He was there at Cinergy and passed judgement on the evil that came to our community."

A common trend with each member was a comment to faith, recovery and appreciation to all who assisted.

"I want to thank God that this individual was stopped," said Mari Willis, District 5 councilwoman. "Odessa will not be defined by this event. As I visited the schools in my district, I observed resilience and hope. Our city will rise above this. We are West Texas strong."

Wills went on to wish God will bless Odessa, West Texas and the USA as a whole. Many members also asked for people to continue praying and helping.

"There is more that we can do," said Peggy Dean, council member at-large. "I would ask and pray that we continue this generosity and spirit. Healing...takes a long time. Let's unity together with servant hearts."

Turner mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce, 700 N Grant Ave # 200 in Odessa, is accepting donations through PayPal, which will go toward the victims. People can donate at the chamber or at odessachamber.com.